10 bizarre Ukrainian superstitions that totally confuse foreigners
10 Ukrainian superstitions that drive foreigners crazy (photo: Getty Images)
These are traditions in Ukraine, but for foreigners, they're often baffling. What sounds like everyday grandma's advice to Ukrainians either makes tourists laugh or cross themselves in confusion. How else can you explain why you shouldn't whistle indoors, pass something over the threshold, or return home if you forgot something? Here are 10 Ukrainian superstitions that drive foreigners crazy.
Don't whistle indoors — or you'll lose money
This superstition causes uproarious laughter among tourists. However, whistling inside the house in Ukraine is associated with the wind, which "blows away" wealth. In many regions, even children are forbidden to whistle after sunset.
Don't pass anything over the threshold
For Ukrainians, the threshold is a kind of energetic boundary. You don't just avoid passing things — you also don't greet anyone across the threshold. It's believed to invite evil spirits. Foreigners often see this as something straight out of a fantasy movie.
If you return home, look in the mirror
Have you ever forgotten something at home and come back for it? Then look in the mirror. Supposedly, it "resets" any negative energy and prevents your soul from being lost. These ideas give foreigners the chills.
Don't sit at the corner of the table
This is a classic superstition in Ukraine—sitting at a corner table means you won't get married or will remain single for a long time. Foreigners have no idea why Ukrainians get so anxious about where someone is sitting.
An empty bucket means bad luck
In Ukraine, encountering someone with an empty bucket signifies misfortune. Foreigners can't understand why someone would cross themselves after seeing such a thing on the street.
A black cat means trouble
When foreigners see Ukrainians avoiding a black cat, they're baffled. For tourists, it's just an animal. For Ukrainians, it's a possible harbinger of misfortune.
Don't wash your hair the day before an important event
Even other Slavic neighbors find this superstition strange. Water's believed to "wash away" success or a good outcome.
Don't dry your hands with the same towel as someone else
According to Ukrainian folk beliefs, this leads to arguments. You shouldn't dry your hands with the same towel at the same time. Foreigners are incredibly surprised by this.
Breaking dishes means guests are coming
To tourists, this sounds like something from a folk tale. However, Ukrainians genuinely believe that a broken cup means guests are on the way.
If you sneeze during a conversation, it means you're telling the truth
This is one of the funniest superstitions for foreigners. Especially when a Ukrainian says, "See, I sneezed — that means it's true!"
Why superstitions matter to Ukrainians
Most of these superstitions are rooted in pre-Christian rituals, pagan traditions, and family folklore. Some moved from rural life into urban culture and then into everyday speech.
For Ukrainians, superstitions are more than just old beliefs — they're part of the cultural code. A tourist who wants to understand Ukrainians shouldn't ignore them, even if they sound bizarre.
Behind each superstition is a story, an experience, and an attempt to explain a once-unpredictable world.
Sources: Ukrainian Institute of Modern Studies, Folklore Fellows Communications (FFC), Kyiv Post, Atlas Obscura, The Ukrainian Weekly.
